Yzerman urges NHL owners to commit to the Olympics

By Sportsbeat staff, in Vancouver

NATIONAL Hockey League clubs must commit to sending their best players to the Sochi 2014 Olympics, according to the man charged with delivering Canada gold in Vancouver.

READY: Hockey Canada's Steve Yzerman remains hopeful that Anaheim's Ryan Getzlaf will be fit to play at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver (Getty Images)

Hockey Canada executive director Steve Yzerman claims the sport would lose out if off-ice politics prevented top players from traveling to Russia.

There remains speculation that NHL clubs - who will shut their league down from Monday until the end of the month - will withdraw their players from the next Games.

NHL stars have competed in the Olympics for the last 12 years but with the exception of Salt Lake City in 2002, the league's management claim their member clubs were badly hit by the tournaments in Nagano and Torino.

Last year NHL commissioner Gary Bettman claimed their was little appetite among club owners to continue the experiment beyond Vancouver, although the powerful players' association insist their members want to compete.

"Whatever happens, the Olympics will carry on regardless of whether the NHL is in it or not," said Yzerman.

"But the three Games in which the NHL have previously participated have been great for hockey and great for the NHL.

"It would be mistake for the sport if they were not involved again in 2014."

Canada are still sweating on the fitness of center Ryan Getzlaf - who has an ankle injury - just three days before their Olympic opener against Norway on Tuesday.

But Yzerman, who was part of the team that won gold in Salt Lake City, remains hopeful, confirming Getzlaf was his only fitness worry.

"Our team doctor spoke with the Ducks medical staff earlier today," he added.

"The Ducks are playing in Calgary tonight. Ryan skated lightly this morning but we don't believe he is playing.

"We made the decision to give him as much time as he needs. Everyone else is good to go - our only question mark now is Ryan.

"Whatever happens we will make the right decision for Ryan, the Ducks and the Canadian Olympic team."

Canada will follow their opening fixture with group matches against Switzerland and the United States - but it's Russia that Yzerman really fears.

"The expectation in Russia is gold and the same is true for us," he said.

"Russia have won the last two World Championships and they are the favourites.

"We have to play our best and with a little bit of luck, believe we will dethrone them."